Gundogan impressed by Maresca's 'human side'published at 17:05 BST 30 June
17:05 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan says new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has "amazing qualities" and praised the Italian's "human side".
Gundogan was City skipper during the Treble-winning season in 2023, when Maresca was assistant to Pep Guardiola.
On Monday, former Chelsea boss Maresca signed a three-year deal at Etihad Stadium to succeed Guardiola.
"As a coach, I think he has amazing qualities," said Gundogan. "Maybe they are not obviously different than when he was an assistant - this is something I can't really judge - but you know that he is smart and he knows exactly what he does.
"As a human being, he is unbelievable. In this football world, I have not met many other people like him.
"I think he will be incredible. Similar to Pep, he has the intelligence to do the right decisions and to do the right tactical things, but then also on the human side, to get everyone on board.
"I am sure that probably 99% of the people inside the club will also be very happy."
Maresca compensation controversy excites Lakepublished at 16:32 BST 30 June
16:32 BST 30 June
Media caption,
Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake says he is excited by the desire new boss Enzo Maresca has shown to be at the helm of the club.
Details of Maresca's Chelsea exit have emerged following City announcing the former Blues boss as their new head coach showing that Maresca pushed for it knowing Pep Guardiola could be leaving the Etihad.
Chelsea's statement at the time suggested the decision was mutual, and that both Maresca and the board were in agreement that "a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track".
However, Maresca has now confirmed that he handed in his resignation at Stamford Bridge and acknowledged that it "opened a path" for him to join City.
Lake told BBC Radio Manchester: "That excites me, and I would suggest it excites most City fans that someone is prepared to make those efforts to come and work for us and with us - because he knows what a huge opportunity it is and the potential that he'll have when he comes to try to fill Pep's shoes."
You can hear more from Lake about Maresca's appointment above or on BBC Sounds here
Man City interested in signing Morocco star Bouaddipublished at 13:02 BST 30 June
13:02 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City are among the clubs interested in signing Lille's Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, helping Morocco reach the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Canada.
City have already agreed a club record deal to sign Elliot Anderson for £116m from Nottingham Forest and could further bolster their midfield with the addition of Bouaddi.
It is understood the youngster features on the list of targets which also includes Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
How will Man City set up under Maresca?published at 11:46 BST 30 June
11:46 BST 30 June
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
It is hard to imagine Enzo Maresca setting up in a system that isn't a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession.
This was the shape on the ball for Manchester City during the Treble season, when Maresca assisted Pep Guardiola, and was the case for Chelsea under Maresca too.
Where it might differ is in how this 3-2-2-3 shape is arrived at, and which players are asked to do which role.
Back four and back five formations out of possession can become a 3-2-2-3 on the ball depending on the players Maresca has, but it is likely his City side will defend with a back four in a 4-4-2.
Rather than thinking of Maresca's system in positions - for example, left-back and right back – it makes more sense to think of it in roles.
When the Italian was in charge at Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto both moved from their full-back positions into the attacking midfield positions of his on-ball shape – 3-2-(2)-3.
Alternatively, Reece James inverted from right-back into holding midfield in possession – 3-(2)-2-3.
And lastly, at City during the Treble-winning season, John Stones stepped up from centre-back out of possession into holding midfield in possession as a result of his ball-playing ability. The two full-backs and other centre-back instead formed the back three.
Therefore, Maresca is likely to arrive at this 3-box-3 shape, but how he does so will depend on his players.
Maresca's three key priorities after 10 years of Guardiolapublished at 09:15 BST 30 June
09:15 BST 30 June
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The worst-kept secret in football has finally been confirmed. The bravest man in the business, Enzo Maresca, has been appointed as Manchester City's new manager.
The Italian's honours list may be more modest than Pep Guardiola's, but he does have history already at City, winning the Premier League 2 and being part of Pep's backroom staff during the Treble season.
City have fought long and hard for Maresca, and paid Chelsea compensation, so they are convinced he is the man to continue the wave of success at the club. But what do Maresca's three key priorities after 10 years of Guardiola need to be?
1: Prepare the squad
We already know Elliot Anderson will be the first signing under Maresca, but assessing the current squad is a key priority for him.
As well as addressing positions that need reinforcements, it's also important to identify players who may be sold too. Rico Lewis, Savinho, Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake have all been linked with moves away - the latter being out of contract at the end of next season.
Other elements of preparing the squad would be selecting a new club captain, after Bernardo Silva's departure. Guardiola usually left this decision to the players from the leadership team, but will Maresca?
It's usually tradition for an academy graduate to be promoted to the first-team squad each season - another big choice to add to the Italian's list.
2: Contract extensions
This can be just as important as a new signing - and Rodri's the big one here.
His contract is up at the end of the season and talks are said to have stalled with the Ballon d'Or winner.
Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku are all players that have also been linked with extending their time at the club, so will these all be confirmed over the summer?
3: Decide who will be his number-one goalkeeper
This may sound crazy given Gianluigi Donnarumma is at the club, but there was a lot of clamour for James Trafford (including from the player himself) to play more minutes last season.
Trafford has been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer, so Maresca has a vital decision to make when it comes to either keeping him and prioritising him, or letting him go.
City have been used to fighting on all four fronts every season and going deep into each competition, so making sure Maresca has the tools and squad depth at his disposal to deliver this will definitely be key.
Guardiola gave the squad a big overhaul before he left - it's now up to Maresca to tweak and put his own stamp on the club before the Community Shield season curtain-raiser against Arsenal on 16 August.
Why Maresca was Man City's chosen onepublished at 08:29 BST 30 June
08:29 BST 30 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Enzo Maresca is part Italian, part Spanish in his approach to coaching and life.
His Spanish influence stems from his family, and his exposure to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona while he was at Sevilla and Malaga during the peak years of his playing career.
Facing a Barcelona side regarded by some as the greatest club team of all time opened Maresca's eyes to a new way of playing, and helped spark the trend for technical, possession-based teams dominating at the highest level.
In Spain, Maresca also met his trusted assistant, Willy Caballero, and his children were born there. Spanish is now the main language spoken at home within his large family.
It was also his "football father", former Manchester City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, who identified during Maresca's playing days that he had the qualities to become a coach.
This grounding helps explain the similarities between Maresca and Guardiola.
The pair are known to be in regular contact and Maresca wouldn't have been chosen without Guardiola's knowledge, according to those close to them.
It's also understood that outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain recommended him as Guardiola's heir when handing over his responsibilities to Hugo Viana upon leaving the club last summer.
Maresca was an influential figure during his single season under Guardiola, with the Spaniard often leaning on the former Chelsea boss for tactical innovations.
It was during that campaign that Guardiola rebranded defender John Stones as a central midfielder, with him playing a starring role in the Treble-clinching Champions League final win against Inter Milan.
Maresca, who was head coach of City's Elite Development Squad in the 2020-21 season, left a lasting impression on the academy.
Gareth Taylor, who now leads Liverpool's women's team and spent time with Maresca at City, told BBC Sport: "Enzo brought something a little bit different.
"He certainly had more freedom in the way he set up his teams, because previously most coaches in that environment were strictly told to follow a specific game model.
"It was as if no-one had that conversation with Enzo, but it was positive because you have to evolve - you cannot stand still tactically. At City, as long as you could back up your rationale, it would be listened to and potentially adopted."
The appointment of Enzo Maresca as boss at Manchester City could lead to a major rebuild, with full-back Rico Lewis, 21, centre-backs Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, midfielder Nico Gonzalez and winger Savinho all potentially up for sale. (Mail), external
'No bedding-in period... he has been given the tools' - Maresca expectationspublished at 18:03 BST 29 June
18:03 BST 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what would constitute success for Enzo Maresca in his first season as Manchester City manager as he follows in the footsteps of the legendary Pep Guardiola, and how you feel about the appointment.
Here are some of your comments:
Harry: Success in Maresca's first season would be Champions League qualification. With our squad, he should do much better than that, but we're realistic. We need to see a clear identity and I'd also love if we could have a promising Champions League campaign. Most importantly, he needs to show us fans that he appreciates the opportunity. Don't take it for granted.
David: I have my doubts about the new manager. l hope it bodes well but I would have preferred to have Vincent Kompany.
Jill: I am not sure about this appointment at all. I am already in mourning about the loss of Pep and now have to accept this. Enzo just does not have the aura that I think is needed to be a great manager. Sorry if everyone is upset with me... would have preferred Kompany.
Youssef: Obviously not as good as Pep - but, as Pep says, Maresca is really underrated. Happy to get someone who knows the club, especially someone who was assistant manager in the Treble year. Success for me would be winning the Champions League.
Farnhill: If he has a season like Pep's final one, that will be a success. But a top-three finish and a decent run in the cup competitions would be classed as OK.
Malcolm: Winning the Premier League would get him instant respect from City fans. There is no bedding-in period. He has been given the tools to do the job.
Martin: I do not think any manager we know of can emulate Pep that easily. If he makes the top three that will be good. He has the team.
Dayvon: I think a starting point would be to get top five in the Premier League and do well in the Champions League.
What will Maresca's City squad look like?published at 17:16 BST 29 June
17:16 BST 29 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
New manager Enzo Maresca has called the Manchester City job a "huge challenge" with the unenviable task of taking over from Pep Guardiola.
The legendary Spaniard won 20 trophies during his decade at the club, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
"At the same moment it's a nice challenge," said Maresca. "It's exciting because the target is to continue or carry on the last decade.
"Probably the reason why I am here is also because the idea from the club is to maintain the same style of football, the same idea. We're going to try to do the most important thing in football which to win and achieve important things."
Maresca takes over a City side that won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.
But the dressing room has lost the influence of captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who have left City upon the expiry of their contracts.
The club record £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest should be announced this week, but will there be more incomings?
"It's a young squad, but it's a very good squad," said Maresca. "Also, we have the right mix between young players and more experienced players, which helps the young ones a lot to grow and improve.
"The squad is already good, for sure. We need to do some things, but we are working with [director of football] Hugo [Viana] and we will see."
Chelsea's Malo Gusto has been linked with a reunion with Maresca, so it remains to be seen whether that moves comes to fruition.
Midfielder Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Etihad Stadium so one of Maresca's priorities will be to try to tie the Spain captain down to a new deal.
The Italian also has a decision to make for his number one as he likes his goalkeeper to be good with his feet - will compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma keep hold of the shirt or will James Trafford be given a chance to establish himself as a first-team regular?
'This is a big challenge - this scares off many people'published at 16:52 BST 29 June
16:52 BST 29 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has been open and honest in his assessment of Enzo Maresca, with the Italian returning to the club following two previous stints - first with the academy and then alongside Pep Guardiola as his assistant coach.
Khaldoon said: "He is one of Pep's assistants at one point in his career so definitely - he will tell you - he is going to have taken a lot of inspiration in the philosophy of Pep, and you see that in his football.
"But he has also evolved his own philosophy. I think Enzo brings a lot to this club. Honestly, I am very excited about Enzo and I think the fans will appreciate him as a manager, his football philosophy, his football and how the team is going to perform and go from strength to strength with Maresca's leadership.
"He will be a great addition to the team. This is a big challenge - this scares off many people. The beauty with Enzo is he actually wants that challenge, he loves that challenge."
Maresca expected to continue Guardiola's philosophypublished at 15:51 BST 29 June
15:51 BST 29 June
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Manchester City
Manchester City have finally landed their man.
Over a month since Pep Guardiola announced he would be leaving as manager, Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the replacement on a three-year deal.
Having identified their number-one target, the hierarchy at City has been relaxed about the situation at a point when the season has come to a close and players and staff are away.
Senior City sources say they have no ill feeling towards Chelsea and that the now-resolved contractual dispute was between the Stamford Bridge club and Maresca.
Insiders have spoken glowingly about the 46-year-old, a man they know well having worked in the academy then as assistant to Guardiola, and he will now be expected to continue the philosophy of the legendary Spaniard.
Maresca was seemingly the only name in the frame once Guardiola announced his decision to leave Manchester City.
The club's chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "Enzo was the standout candidate in our considerations. We know his personality and his vision for the way football should be played. He is a man with integrity, charisma and passion.
"In addition to his successes at Chelsea and Leicester, his City track record speaks for itself. He managed our elite development team with distinction and was a key contributor to the historic Treble season.
"We will ensure that he receives everything he needs to be successful here and we are all very much looking forward to seeing his positive impact on the next phase of the club's progress."
Hit play below to hear discussion on BBC Radio Manchester about what fans can expect from Maresca, or listen on BBC Sounds here
'It was neither my intention nor my wish' - Maresca apologises to Chelseapublished at 14:42 BST 29 June
14:42 BST 29 June
Image source, Getty Images
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has apologised to his former club for the "disruption" caused by his mid-season departure.
Shortly after his appointment as Manchester City's new manager was confirmed, the Italian posted on social media: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.
"The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.
"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.
"I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.
"I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity."
Maresca confirmed as Man City boss - what will success look like in 2026-27?published at 14:30 BST 29 June
14:30 BST 29 June
Image source, Manchester City
Manchester City have announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year deal - and we want to know what you think success will look like in his first season.
The former Chelsea boss replaces City great Pep Guardiola, who spent 10 immensely successful years in charge at the Etihad.
Maresca told club media: "Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.
"City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.
"This will be my third spell here. I know this club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.
"The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.
"I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City."
What are you expecting from Maresca in the 2026-27 season? What do you think can be achieved and what constitutes success for the Italian?
Gossip: Gusto agrees to join Man Citypublished at 08:09 BST 29 June
08:09 BST 29 June
Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto has agreed to join Manchester City as the 23-year-old France international eyes reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca once he takes charge at Etihad Stadium. (Footmercato - in French), external
'High chance' Anderson move happens before England's last-32 game - Tuchelpublished at 01:59 BST 28 June
01:59 BST 28 June
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that midfielder Elliot Anderson is expected to complete his £116million move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City before England's World Cup last-32 tie on Wednesday.
The Premier League clubs have agreed a deal for Anderson to move to Etihad Stadium once the 23-year-old completes a medical which will take place out in the United States.
"I think there is a very high chance that the thing is sorted before the round of 32," said Tuchel.
"It is very impressive the way he trains and plays and carries himself. He is still young and quite new to our national team and he just plays like he owns the place and is always there."
'The sky is the limit' for stat-topping Andersonpublished at 17:51 BST 26 June
17:51 BST 26 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Elliot Anderson made his Newcastle United debut in an FA Cup defeat by Arsenal in January 2021, and went on to make 55 appearances in all competitions for the club before joining Bristol Rovers on loan a year later.
It was there he completed a vital part of his education. Former Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan, who was a player-coach there at the time, vividly remembers the impact the confident "but never arrogant" Anderson made in the West Country.
"He just came into the building and showed his potential straight away," Whelan told BBC Sport. "Nothing seemed to faze him. You could see straight away that this boy was different.
"There were certain scenarios in training when I tried to put him under a little pressure. Some kids would be a little bit more reserved and fall back, but Anderson was right on the front foot. He took the bull by the horns.
"He just had a confidence about him to show everyone how good he was. It wasn't arrogance, he had obviously had a great upbringing by his family - and he had that Geordie in him.
"He loved training, he always wanted to learn and do the extras. He had the attitude to stay behind and get better."
Anderson's progress has been so impressive that he was fully focused on the World Cup, even as discussions continued around his move to Manchester City.
And it is not just his England status shaping those discussions, his numbers in 2025-26 also add great value.
Anderson had the most touches in the Premier League (3,300), won possession the most times (306), won the most duels (297) and drew the most fouls (80).
He will now start next season under the leadership of expected new coach Enzo Maresca - and Whelan has no doubts he will flourish.
"The sky is the limit," he said. "We see what he is doing at the World Cup, but I think in time the top teams in the Champions League and all over the world will be sitting up to watch this boy play."
Why Tuchel should return to O'Reilly at left-backpublished at 14:57 BST 26 June
14:57 BST 26 June
Image source, Getty Images
Since 2006, every World Cup winner has dropped points in their first or second group game - but what they have also done each time is go on to win their group.
I am confident England will do that too, by beating Panama on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if Thomas Tuchel makes three or even four changes to his team after such a disappointing result and performance.
One change I can see happening is at left-back, with Nico O'Reilly coming back in for Djed Spence.
We just seemed to lose a bit of creativity and quality going forward down the left-hand side without O'Reilly and we posed more of a threat in a 15-minute spell after he came on than we did in the rest of the game.
O'Reilly got in some great positions, offered more on the ball and was also very unlucky when his header hit the bar.
I could also understand if Tuchel brought John Stones back in for Ezri Konsa. Although our main issue against Ghana was being unable to break them down, there were still some concerns defensively.
In the two real attacks that Ghana had when they managed to get forward, one could have seen them win a penalty and the other one could have ended with Jordan Pickford getting a red card.
We got away with it both times, but Tuchel has changed things in his defence and there is no doubt that there is some uncertainty back there.
I don't know if that has affected Pickford too, but he has not looked assured so far as he normally does.
In the first game, his distribution was pretty poor and then he got caught out against Ghana when he came rushing out, so maybe those changes did not help his situation either.
How far can Haaland carry Norway at the World Cup?published at 14:23 BST 26 June
14:23 BST 26 June
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Two of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as Norway and Erling Haaland take on France and Kylian Mbappe.
Both nations have won their opening two group-stage matches at the World Cup, helped by devastating displays from their star strikers. Both have each scored twice in their two opening games, leaving them on four goals for the tournament.
With top spot in Group I still up for grabs, both players are expected to start despite their teams having already secured qualification for the knockout stages.
The match effectively serves as a playoff to determine who finishes first and, in theory, earns a more favourable path in the bracket.
Although both are key players for their domestic clubs, the importance of Haaland and Mbappe is further elevated on the international stage.
Given Norway's limited depth, it is no surprise that Haaland is even more crucial to his nation than Mbappe. Since August 2022, Norway have won 64.5% of matches with Haaland in the team, compared to just 33.3% without him.
The Norwegian has taken to his first World Cup like a Viking rower to water.
He is the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament, and only the second player to do so in the past 50 years after Harry Kane for England in 2018.
He has also scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, including 16 goals in his past six matches.
France, of course, have loftier ambitions this summer and are among the favourites to win the World Cup, but Norway are capable of giving them a bloody nose.
With Haaland, it would be foolish to put a lid on the country's ambitions.
'When will we learn?' - fans torn on 'overpriced' but 'fantastic' Andersonpublished at 13:36 BST 26 June
13:36 BST 26 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Manchester City agreeing a club-record £116m deal to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, and where you see him fitting into the starting XI for the upcoming season.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Josh: He is definitely overpriced, the English player tax is at it again! A good player with bags of potential, but a big risk for that price. We did need to replace Bernardo Silva though, so I guess it is that. £115m would have been funnier.
David: No, no, no! When will we learn? It is just a repeat of the Jack Grealish fiasco.
Julia: With Bernardo Silva leaving and maybe Rodri, we need some top quality midfielders to replace them. He is English, which is a bonus, especially as it helps our Champions League quotas. It is a lot of money, but he is very young and we need him.
Mike: Watching him play at the World Cup, I don't even think he is worth £30m, nevermind £130m. Overrated.
Nige: It is a lot of money, I agree, however, he has the potential to be as influential for us as Declan Rice is for Arsenal, if not more. Given the fact we were allegedly offered £70m to £80m for Savinho, this price is about right for Anderson.
Warren: If it is actually £130m then I'm disappointed in City paying that. No player is worth that sort of money. I know he is young, but it is getting ridiculous the amount of money the club is playing for any player. It needs sorting out.
Sean: A fantastic young player who has got a lot of things going for him, although I think we have been over-charged because of who we are. With Rodri probably seeing out the last 12 months of his contract, we had to act now before somebody else came in for him.
Anderson off the Geordie production linepublished at 11:11 BST 26 June
11:11 BST 26 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Elliot Anderson was the schoolboy footballer so good his teachers discussed placing a bet on him playing for England.
The bet was never made - but Thomas Tuchel is backing him to be a winner at the World Cup and Manchester City are doing the same after agreeing a club record £116m to sign him from Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder is the one that painfully got away from Newcastle United, but he is still revered and respected in his home city as the "quiet and self-effacing" local boy made good.
After making his international debut against Andorra in September 2025, the 23-year-old emerged as a central component in England's World Cup plans, with head coach Tuchel calling him "the full package", and he is on course to assume the same role at City once the transfer formalities are completed.
Anderson's first steps in football came playing with his two elder brothers, Louie and Wil - the latter gaining prominence as a contestant on reality TV show Love Island.
His parents, Iain and Helen, ensured studying was never sidelined, with lessons organised around time at Newcastle United's academy, his beloved club that he was always destined to join.
Jonathan Roys, Anderson's former English and PE teacher, told BBC Sport he was not surprised by his progress: "Elliot was a very hard-working and determined lad. He was very good at athletics, cross country, indoor events - and he represented the school in cricket.
"It was football for him, though. We put him in midfield as he was our best player, although he actually also even played in goal for us once when we played Wallsend Boys Club.
"He is a real inspiration to the new generation. Everyone is proud of him."
Image source, Getty Images
